Sarasota police investigate deaths on Lido Key

Two men staying at a home on Lido Key killed each other during an argument Tuesday, the Sarasota Police Department says. 

The two victims, ages 34 and 50, were discovered dead in the home in the 700 block of South Boulevard of the Presidents by people with access to the home at about 9 a.m., Sarasota Police spokeswoman Cynthia McFarland said.

As the medical examiner was finishing up his investigation at the scene Tuesday afternoon, McFarland said the two men were in town for work and staying at the residence. 

From surveillance video, police were able to view from inside and outside the home, "They got into some sort of argument. It appears they did end up taking each others' lives," she said.

Exactly how they killed each other has not yet been determined, McFarland said. No guns were recovered but "we have recovered a knife from the scene," she said. She added it was not being considered a murder-suicide. 

Photo by Jim DeLa

The cause of death will not be officially determined until after autopsies are performed, McFarland said.    

According to an email sent to residents from the Lido Key Residents Association, President Carl Shoffstall received a call from Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche Tuesday morning saying there was a double homicide on Boulevard of the Presidents. According to the email: "Two workers were staying at an Air B&B and got into an argument around 12:30 last night and killed each other," the email said.

Neighbors walking along the street were stopping to look as crime scene tape surrounded the home. Sally Esser said the scene was upsetting. ""It's horrible to just witness this whole thing going on," she said. "It's a little scary."